Upcoming EA shooter Medal of Honor has had a rocky few months since the announcement of the Taliban as a playable force within the multiplayer component, the pressure to remove them it seems has finally concluded.
Families of the American soldiers currently fighting in the Middle East, both past and present, spoke out about the inclusion when it was first announced, some called it shocking, others were offended that people would actually be able to play a real world terrorist organisation and kill American soldiers, even if it wasn't real.
The publisher stuck to its guns at first, however, it seems the pressure to remove the Taliban has finally concluded with EA stating that the terrorists would instead be named the "Opposing Force" so as not to dishonor any soldiers serving in the military, or their families.
"In the past few months, we have received feedback from all over the world regarding the multiplayer portion of Medal of Honor," Greg Goodrich wrote on the Medal of Honor blog.
"We've received notes from gamers, active military, and friends and family of servicemen and women currently deployed overseas. The majority of this feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. For this, the Medal of Honor team is deeply appreciative."
"However, we have also received feedback from friends and families of fallen soldiers who have expressed concern over the inclusion of the Taliban in the multiplayer portion of our game. This is a very important voice to the Medal of Honor team. This is a voice that has earned the right to be listened to. It is a voice that we care deeply about. Because of this, and because the heartbeat of Medal of Honor has always resided in the reverence for American and Allied soldiers, we have decided to rename the opposing team in Medal of Honor multiplayer from Taliban to Opposing Force."
"While this change should not directly affect gamers, as it does not fundamentally alter the gameplay, we are making this change for the men and women serving in the military and for the families of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice - this franchise will never willfully disrespect, intentionally or otherwise, your memory and service."
"To all who serve - we appreciate you, we thank you, and we do not take you for granted. And to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines currently serving overseas, stay safe and come home soon."
Medal of Honor releases on October 12 in the US and October 15 in the UK, it will be available across the PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
